Extortion and Harassment by Policemen at Checkpoints in Nigeria

Strategic Insights -

The menace of police extortion and harassment has been a persistent problem in Nigeria, with numerous cases reported at various checkpoints across the country. A recent video that surfaced on social media exposed a group of policemen on the Benin-Agbor Road inward Benin Bypass in Edo State who were demanding N5,000 or five litres of fuel from motorists in lieu of Electronic Central Motor Registry (ECMR) registration, despite the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, having suspended its enforcement in July 2024.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IGP has suspended the enforcement of ECMR registration in July 2024, yet policemen continue to demand proof of registration and extort money from motorists.
  • The extortion problem is widespread and has continued to fester despite condemnation from the police hierarchy.
  • In some cases, the operatives can be violent and have killed innocent people who refused to give them money.
  • The police force is plagued by poor funding, poor welfare, poor training, and inadequate equipment.
  • The police should focus on patrolling the highways and responding to kidnap incidents rather than checking vehicle papers on the expressway.
  • Police authorities should come out and enlighten the public on what papers are required for travel, reducing the harassment of innocent travellers on the roads.
  • The National Orientation Agency (NOA) should come up with jingles that promote positive change in the attitudes and orientations of citizens.

Statistics:

  • Each police station in Nigeria receives a quarterly imprest of N45,000 for operational costs.
  • Over 200 police stations were destroyed during the 2020 protests against police brutality.
  • The police force has been adjudged the most corrupt institution in Nigeria.

Sources:

  • [External reference to the specific text choosing to ignore it, at this moment, to fairly summarize as instructed.: ](https://link-to-source-material)